New York – In a heartbreaking incident in New York, a 20-year-old father, identified as Marlon R., has been charged with the second-degree murder of his two-month-old daughter, Liseyda R. The tragedy unfolded under distressing circumstances fueled by the father’s disbelief in his paternity, leading to a brutal attack on the infant.
According to authorities, on March 7, Marlon assaulted his daughter in their home. The criminal complaint details a horrific scene where he allegedly slapped the baby in the face, punched her in the stomach, and shook her violently. The assault escalated when he threw Liseyda onto a bed and punched her in the chest. The infant suffered multiple injuries, including damage to her ribcage, a fractured vertebra in her neck, and other broken bones. The young father’s actions were reportedly motivated by his suspicion regarding the child’s paternity. Despite being listed as the father on the birth certificate, Marlon told police he “lost affection for the baby and felt some kind of animosity” because he doubted he was the father. Detective Lt. S. Skrynecki quoted Marlon’s admission of his loss of respect and desire for the child, leading to the fatal abuse.
Marlon was arrested and charged after a distressing sequence of events. Initially, a 911 call was made about the baby allegedly ‘rolling off the bed.’ However, upon being transported to the hospital and after subsequent transfer to another facility, Liseyda succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was homicide. During his interactions with the police, Marlon confessed to the assault, stating he did not believe Liseyda was his daughter and detailing the violence he inflicted upon her. His account and the physical evidence led to his indictment on charges of second-degree murder.
Marlon, a Guatemalan migrant, had crossed into the United States via the Mexico-El Paso, Texas border in 2022. After being apprehended by the Border Patrol, he was released pending a future immigration hearing and eventually made his way to New York. His history included living in the United States without firm legal status, which has come under scrutiny following the tragic events. As the community reels from this tragedy, Marlon remains held without bail in the county jail. His arraignment saw him plead not guilty, with his next court appearance scheduled for March 17.
The death of Liseyda has not only left a family shattered but also stirred the local community and authorities. Police Commissioner P. Ryder expressed profound dismay over the incident, stating, “This man should never have had a kid, and what he did to this kid is unthinkable.” This case brings to the forefront issues of domestic violence, the pressures on immigrant families, and the dire consequences of domestic instability. It serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities of the youngest and most helpless members of society, sparking discussions on preventive measures and the support needed for struggling families.
